Filling, Nutritionally Amazing, Nourishing, Alkaline Bowl to Balance & Heal Your Gut

This recipe freakin’ rocks. Absolutely, absurdly, wonderfully delicious.

I almost NEVER post recipes from other folks on this site. Of course I let you know about awesome recipes on my Facebook page and stuff, but I rarely have guest recipes or feature others recipes – but this recipe from Elise Museles – of Kale & Chocolate – is stunning, delicious and superbly nourishing.

I have fallen in love with Elise’s recipes over the past few months – they’re fantastic and almost entirely alkaline too!

Here’s Elise’s description of the bowl:

While I’m usually a big fan of following the no recipe approach to creating bowls, this is an exception. The signature “Live Dirty, Eat Clean” bowl that I created for The Microbiome Solution is a perfectly balanced meal filled with microbe-boosting and gut-healthy ingredients! It makes a great colorful (and healing!) addition to your dinner table that will warm you up from the inside out. Use this recipe as inspiration to create your own nourishing bowl. Enjoy!

And you can (and should) check out her full site here – Kale & Chocolate and her Instagram here

Live Dirty, Eat Clean Bowl

Makes 2 Large Bowls

Ingredients

1 to 2 cups cooked brown rice or quinoa
2 to 3 tablespoons coconut oil or olive oil
1 red onion, thinly sliced
4 carrots, peeled and thinly sliced
3 stalks celery, thinly sliced
1 cup Curry and Turmeric Roasted Cauliflower (see recipe here)
1 cup cooked chickpeas, rinsed and drained
1 bunch kale, stalks removed and discarded and leaves sliced thin
2 cups baby spinach
1 cup cherry tomatoes, sliced in half
¼ cup dried Turkish apricots, chopped (or dried cranberries or cherries)
¼ cup toasted pecans, chopped
1 bunch of fresh parsley, chopped (about 1⁄2 cup)
Sea salt & fresh pepper to taste

Dressing

½-inch piece of fresh ginger, peeled and minced
2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice
1 teaspoon raw honey or maple syrup
1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes
¼ cup olive oil

Method:

Reheat the quinoa or brown rice and divide it into two separate bowls.

Heat a large pan over medium-high heat and add the olive or coconut oil. Stir in onion, carrots, and celery. Sauté the vegetables for 3 to 4 minutes, until they begin to soften and brown.

In the last minute, toss in the roasted cauliflower and chickpeas.

Next, add the sliced kale to the mix and allow the kale to slightly wilt for about 1 minute. Remove the pan from the heat and add the baby spinach and tomatoes. Stir so the heat of the vegetables cooks the spinach and tomatoes. Place the sautéed mixture over the brown rice or quinoa.

Sprinkle with sea salt & pepper. Add in the dried fruit.

TO MAKE THE CURRY & TURMERIC ROASTED CAULIFLOWER:

Preheat the oven to 400°F. Lightly oil a roasting pan or rimmed sheet pan.

In a large mixing bowl, toss cauliflower with the curry powder, turmeric, olive oil, salt, and pepper. Place on the pan. Roast for 20 to 25 minutes, until the edges are golden brown.

TO MAKE THE DRESSING:

Mix together the ginger, lemon juice, honey, mustard, and red pepper flakes in a small mixing bowl. Slowly whisk in the olive oil, to form an emulsion. Drizzle the dressing over the bowls. Toss lightly.

Top with toasted pecans and fresh parsley. Save any remaining dressing in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Eat immediately!

ENJOY!
Ross

Source: original recipe by Elise Museles at Kale & Chocolate – republished with her kind permission

The post Alkaline Recipe #186: The Live Dirty, Eat Clean Bowl appeared first on Live Energized.

Super-Delicious, Alkaline, Immune Boosting Vegetables Soup Recipe

Eating the right foods is vitally important for our health & energy.  We need to support our body by giving it all of the tools and nutrients it needs – and when we do this, we <em>thrive</em>.  This soup recipe is an incredible help – full of immune boosting vegetables, it provides the body with an abundance of the nutrients it needs to repair, replenish and fortify our immunity.

Our immune system is, of course, critical to our proper health.

Your immune system doesn’t just preventing sickness and stop outsiders getting in.   Your immune system is also important in preventing allergies, auto-immune conditions and immunodeficiency disorders.

The immune system consists of three lines of defence:

1. Keep the Invaders Out! Through our skin, mucous membranes etc the first job is to stop the invaders from getting into our body in the first place!
2. Defend Against Pathogens That Made It Through: this is where we have responses such as inflammation, fevers etc.
3. When Specific Pathogens Could Cause Disease DO Get In:  it produces antibodies against bacteria or viruses that arise from the outside nasties getting in!

It’s a complex system and we need to nourish it and look after it!  

And we can easily do this by consuming nourishing, immune-boosting vegetables – and this soup recipe is a BIG help!

The Alkaline Immune Boosting Vegetables Soup

Serves 2

Ingredients

Cooked Ingredients:

1 brown onion, sliced roughly
2 cloves of garlic, chopped roughly
2 carrots, sliced
1/4 head of cauliflower
1/4 head of broccoli
1/4 head of cabbage (any green variety)
200ml vegetable stock
1 can of organic chopped tomatoes (or 8 fresh tomatoes)
Himalayan Pink Salt & Black pepper to taste
1/2 inch of ginger root (or 1tsp dried)
1/2 inch of turmeric root (or 1tsp dried)
Coconut oil

Raw Ingredients:

1/2 cucumber
3 tomatoes
1 handful spinach
1/2 bunch of basil
1/4 bunch of coriander
1/2 tin of chickpeas (garbanzos)

Instructions

1. Start by gently frying the onions and garlic in a little coconut oil. After 3 minutes, throw in the carrots, cauliflower, broccoli, cabbage and allow to cook for another 3 minutes
2. Now add the stock and tomatoes/can of tomatoes – allow to simmer for 20-25 minutes until the vegetables are softened a little.
3. In the meantime, roughly chop the raw foods and put into a blender and blend until smooth
4. When the soup has simmered for 20 minutes transfer it in batches (as much as your blender will hold) and blend it all together until smooth with the raw blended mixture too.
5. It may take a couple of batches into the blender, but you want to end up with a smooth soup. Serve with a sprig of coriander or basil and enjoy warm!

Alkaline Recipe #187: Immune Boosting Vegetable Soup

2016-01-12 20:30:30

Serves 2

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Prep Time

10 min

Cook Time

30 min

Total Time

40 min

Prep Time

10 min

Cook Time

30 min

Total Time

40 min

Ingredients

1. 1 brown onion, sliced roughly
2. 2 cloves of garlic, chopped roughly
3. 2 carrots, sliced
4. 1/4 head of cauliflower
5. 1/4 head of broccoli
6. 1/4 head of cabbage (any green variety)
7. 200ml vegetable stock
8. 1 can of organic chopped tomatoes (or 8 fresh tomatoes)
9. Himalayan Pink Salt & Black pepper to taste
10. 1/2 inch of ginger root (or 1tsp dried)
11. 1/2 inch of turmeric root (or 1tsp dried)
12. Coconut oil
13. --
14. 1/2 cucumber
15. 3 tomatoes
16. 1 handful spinach
17. 1/2 bunch of basil
18. 1/4 bunch of coriander
19. 1/2 tin of chickpeas (garbanzos)

Instructions

1. Start by gently frying the onions and garlic in a little coconut oil. After 3 minutes, throw in the carrots, cauliflower, broccoli, cabbage and allow to cook for another 3 minutes
2. Now add the stock and tomatoes/can of tomatoes – allow to simmer for 20-25 minutes until the vegetables are softened a little.
3. In the meantime, roughly chop the raw foods and put into a blender and blend until smooth
4. When the soup has simmered for 20 minutes transfer it in batches (as much as your blender will hold) and blend it all together until smooth with the raw blended mixture too.
5. It may take a couple of batches into the blender, but you want to end up with a smooth soup. Serve with a sprig of coriander or basil and enjoy warm!

Notes

1. You can also serve with a drizzle of olive or flax oil too.

By Ross Bridgeford

Live Energized http://liveenergized.com/

The post Alkaline Recipe #187: Immune Boosting Vegetable Soup appeared first on Live Energized.

Alkaline Recipe #188 Raw Pad Thai (With Zucchini Noodles)

I love this recipe for it’s simplicity, nutrient density and the fact that it’s taken one of my previously favourite ‘unhealthy’ recipes – pad thai.

It’s pretty much entirely raw, it’s delicious, vegan and very readily accepted by non-alkalisers if you want to serve it to your family and friends!

Raw Pad Thai Recipe
Serves 2

Ingredients:

3 medium courgettes (zucchini)
3 large carrots
2 spring onions, chopped (also known as green onions, scallions)
1 cup shredded red cabbage
½ packet of beansprouts
1 cup cauliflower florets
1 bunch of fresh coriander/cilantro, chopped roughly
Coconut Oil

Sauce

¼ cup tahini
¼ cup almond butter
¼ cup tamari
1 tsp coconut sugar
2 tbsp lime or lemon juice
1 clove garlic, minced
1 inch of ginger root, grated

Instructions:

1) First, prepare the carrot and courgette ‘noodles’ by using either a spiralizer or mandolin. If you don’t have either of these, use a vegetable peeler to make slices of the zucchini and carrot and then use a sharp knife to slice these into very thin strips.

2) Put these into a large bowl with the spring onions, shredded cabbage, beansprouts (thoroughly washed), cauliflower and coriander.

3) Now prepare the sauce by blending the tahini, almond butter, tamari, coconut sugar, lime/lemon juice, garlic and grated ginger. Add a little water if needed – this is a very thick sauce.

4) Finally, mix the sauce into the bowl and get everything evenly coated.

5) Serve with a sprig of coriander and an extra little squeeze of lemon or lime

Enjoy!

The post Alkaline Recipe #188 Raw Pad Thai (With Zucchini Noodles) appeared first on Live Energized.

These easy-to-make crackers are my new best friend. It’s simply a combination of chia seeds and other seeds (think pumpkin seeds, sesame seeds, sunflower seeds etc) with water and a little spice for flavouring (cayenne pepper, cumin, chilli or even some crushed garlic) mixed and baked on a low heat.

It makes a delicious, filling, nutrient dense snack that keeps you going for ages. Very moreish too!

The recipe is flexible, but if you use the following this will make about 12 decent sized crackers/shards:

Alkaline Snack Recipe: The Energy Cracker!

Makes 12 crackers

Ingredients

1/2 cup chia seeds
1/2 cup sesame seeds
1/2 cup pumpkin seeds
1/2 cup sunflower seeds
1 clove of crushed garlic
1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper
Salt & pepper to taste
1 & 1/4 cups of water

Instructions

Get the oven on at 300ºF. Then simply mix it all together and wait ten minutes for the chia seeds to soak up all of the water. Then using a spatula spread it on a sheet of baking paper on a baking tray. Now, using the spatula divide it into 12 sections and then put into the pre-heated over for half an hour – take it out, flip it and bake for 25 more minutes. It’s done once it’s golden and crackable.

You can eat on it’s own or with avocado, dips like hummous or even as a regular cracker and whatever you’d normally have on a regular cracker

The post Alkaline Recipe #189: Chia Seed Energy Crackers appeared first on Live Energized.

Ha! Sounds like a late-night infomercial: “Burn fat while you sleep!” – but this REALLY works.

I’ve seen this juice make a noticable difference for so many of my Alkaline Base Camp members, my clients old and new.

The reason it is so powerful is because it works with your body mechanics in three key ways:

1. It Boosts Your Metabolism When Your Body is Normally Processing At It’s Slowest: Your metabolism slows considerably while you’re asleep, meaning your body is waaaaay less forgiving of your possible little treats and naughty foods (which generally happen more often at night right?

   According to research published in the Journal of the American College of Cardiology, when you eat a meal high in acidic, unhealthy fats and sugar (i.e. not healthy fats like omega 3 and saturated fats from coconut) these unhealthy foods cause a spike in your blood-sugar levels called “post-prandial hyperglycemia.” In the long term this can lead to an increased risk of heart attack, but there are short-term effects as well, such as:

   • Tissue inflammation
   • Blood vessel damage
   • The rapid creation of free radicals (that cause oxidation aka cell death and inflammation)
   • Blood pressure raises
   • A surge and drop in insulin leaving you feeling hungry again right after your meal

   So when you are having these types of foods late at night you’re getting all of the negatives of this post-prandial hyperglycemia, all while your metabolism is shutting down and you’re laying still and flat for up to 8 hours!

2. It provides vital nutrients needed for detoxification during the most critical time – During the night the body rebuilds, replenishes and regenerates – this is the best time for detoxification. All of the body’s functions can focus on this role, rather than when we’re awake and a million different things are going on!

   According to Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), the liver functions at it’s best between 1am and 3am. So supporting the liver at night with liver-nourishing nutrients is a brilliant help and will speed your rebuild & repair like nothing else.

3. Your body has to have enough blood volume to detox successfully. Low blood volume is a big factor in chronic fatigue, chronic pain and more. The proper environment for detoxification can also lead to a good, strong, fast metabolism, which in turn can lead not only to an eased detoxification process, but also reduced body fat storage…So it all works synergistically!

Too Much Body Fat Is a Sign Of Overacidity & a Need to Detoxify

When we consume more acids than we can successfully buffer and eliminate, we suffer from what the science community calls ‘low-grade metabolic acidosis’.

The study says: “Acidogenic diets, which are typically high in animal protein and salt and low in fruits and vegetables, can lead to a sub-clinical or low-grade state of metabolic acidosis.” — Source: Examining the relationship between diet-induced acidosis and cancer; Journal of Nutrition & Metabolism; Robey IF; 2012; 9. 72

One of the outcomes of this metabolic acidosis is that the acids, and their toxic by-products (such as candida) are stored by the body in fat and carried away to safety somewhere away from your vital organs – this is largely the stomach, buttocks and thighs.

When we start to alkalize our diet, providing the vital macronutrients that the body needs to operate optimally, we send our body the signal that it now has the tools to detoxify and get rid of these fat-bound toxins.

So out go the toxins and with it, the unwanted fat.

The Metabolism Boosting, Liver Healing Evening Juice

This juice is intended to balance your blood sugars, reduce oxidation (due to it’s high volume of antioxidants), sooth inflammation, alkalize and nourish.

It’s a superb combination for healing and nourishing the liver, providing effective detoxifying nutrients, controlling blood sugar, insulin release, and for boosting your metabolism in the short- and long-term!

Here’s The Juice:

This juice is intended to balance your blood sugars, reduce oxidation (due to it’s high volume of antioxidants), sooth inflammation, alkalize and nourish.

It’s a superb combination for healing and nourishing the liver, providing effective detoxifying nutrients, controlling blood sugar, insulin release, and for boosting your metabolism in the short- and long-term!

Serves 2
Ingredients

• 1 cucumber
• Handful of parsley
• Handful of cilantro (coriander>
• 1/4 lemon (peeled)
• 1.5 cm root ginger
• 1/2 beetroot
• Optional but great: 50ml aloe vera juice
• Filtered water to taste

Instructions:

1. Juice all of the ingredients and add filtered water to taste
2. Consume after 4pm in the evening, ideally, and if you’ve made enough for two – store the 2nd juice in an airtight container in the fridge ready for tomorrow evening

You don’t have to do this for the rest of your life…an evening juice routine is not needed forever…

This is something you can do on and off, maybe for a week at a time when you’re feeling like you need a kick start. If you can still have your morning juice that is a GREAT combination as you’re going to sleep with your body primed with nutrients to work throughout your rest, and are then breaking your fast in the morning with another nutrient-dense juice or smoothie.

IF you do that you’ll see sensational results.

Plus of course, it is still just making 1 juice per day:

[+] Today: make your AM juice x2 and put one in the fridge for tomorrow
[+] Tomorrow you make your PM juice x2 and put one in the fridge for tomorrow

And so on!

For the morning juice you could try something like this one – or this one.

I hope this juice works wonders for you as it has done for so many of my past and present clients!

Ross

PS. question or comment? Get in touch below the references down there!

Sources & References

Bobek P, Galbavy S, Mariassyova M. The effect of red beet (Beta vulgaris var. rubra) fiber on alimentary hypercholesterolemia and chemically induced colon carcinogenesis in rats. Nahrung 2000 Jun;44(3):184-7. 2000.

Chithra V, Leelamma S. Hypolipidemic effect of coriander seeds (Coriandrum sativum): mechanism of action. Plant Foods Hum Nutr 1997;51(2):167-72. 1997. PMID:12610.

Hirano R, Sasamoto W, Matsumoto A et al. Antioxidant ability of various flavonoids against DPPH radicals and LDL oxidation. J Nutr Sci Vitaminol (Tokyo). 2001 Oct;47(5):357-62. 2001.

Kumar D, Kumar S, Singh J, et al. Free Radical Scavenging and Analgesic Activities of Cucumis sativus L. Fruit Extract. J Young Pharm. 2010 Oct;2(4):365-8. 2010.

Lee CH, Wettasinghe M, Bolling BW et al. Betalains, phase II enzyme-inducing components from red beetroot (Beta vulgaris L.) extracts. Nutr Cancer. 2005;53(1):91-103. 2005.

Nejatzadeh-Barandozi F. Antibacterial activities and antioxidant capacity of Aloe vera; Organic and Medicinal Chemistry Letters. 2013;3:5. doi:10.1186/2191-2858-3-5.

Nema NK, Maity N, Sarkar B et al. Cucumis sativus fruit-potential antioxidant, anti-hyaluronidase, and anti-elastase agent. Arch Dermatol Res. 2011 May;303(4):247-52. Epub 2010 Dec 14. 2011.

Rios JL, Recio MC, Escandell JM, et al. Inhibition of transcription factors by plant-derived compounds and their implications in inflammation and cancer. Curr Pharm Des. 2009;15(11):1212-37. Review. 2009.

Robey IF. Examining the relationship between diet-induced acidosis and cancer; Nutrition & Metabolism. 2012; 9: 72

The post Burn Fat & Alkalize While You Sleep with this Metabolism Boosting, Liver Healing Juice appeared first on Live Energized.

In This Guide You Will Get: the lowdown on what’s REALLY in the packaged taco seasoning you buy at the store PLUS my amazing, fast 3-ingredient taco seasoning recipe (plus video)

Food is supposed to be simple, natural and nourishing.

Not toxic, chemical-laden, fake and manipulated to get you addicted (more on that in a bit).

People often associate eating healthy foods with bland flavours (plain ol’ salad salad salad all day long).

Nothing could be further from the truth.

It’s actually so easy to make healthy food that’s fast, easy and DELICIOUS (delicious enough that the whole family will enjoy it – even the ‘unhealthy ones’).

Yes, healthy convenience food does exist.

You just need to know a few simple ‘hacks’ (like I’m about to show you below).

But first I want to highlight what is REALLY in your store bought taco seasoning. I’m making an example of it.

You need to know this because processed, packaged convenience foods are almost always packed with toxic, cell-destroying, carcinogenic chemicals, additives and preservatives.

How They Crammed NINE Toxic Ingredients Into Your Taco Seasoning

Taco seasoning.

How can you go wrong with that? It’s just spices, right?

Wrong.

Pretty much anything and everything packaged for your convenience is a risk, and these little sachets of flavour are a perfect example of how you either have to just cut processed/packaged foods or be incredibly diligent and careful.

I examined two of the most popular Mexican food brands’ taco seasoning (you can probably guess which two brands they are) and found no less than NINE toxic, acidifying, health-destroying additives across these two packets.

This Is What Is Inside Your Taco Seasoning:

1. Wheat: containing gluten (of course) which is proven to damage your digestive system, spike blood sugar and contribute to insulin resistance, damage your intestinal wall, overstimulate the immune system and more.
2. White Flour: the same as wheat while also containing none of the fibre, and more rapidly acid-forming in the body
3. Maltodextrin: firstly, most maltodextrin in the USA is derived from GMO crops. That’s the first concern. However, it’s also been associated with digestive disorders and the onset of allergies and most worryingly the long term effect of constantly eating foods containing maltodextrin is that your body will begin to secrete more and more insulin.
4. Partially hydrogenated soybean oil: according to Dr Mercola “Soybean oil is “Completely unnatural man-made fats created through the partial hydrogenation process cause dysfunction and chaos in your body on a cellular level, and studies have linked trans-fats to health problems ranging from obesity and diabetes to reproductive problems and heart disease”
5. Ethoxyquin: a synthetic antioxidant (don’t be fooled by that – it’s not good) that is so unsafe and disgusting that there is huge controversy as to whether it should be allowed in pet and animal feed. AND YET IT’S IN TACO SEASONING! The European Food Safety Authority “cannot conclude on the safety of ethoxyquin as a feed additive for any target animals, its safety for consumers or the environment.” This is an additive that we should not be eating. Nor our pets.
6. Monosodium glutamate: Dr. Russell Blaylock, a board-certified neurosurgeon and author of “Excitotoxins: The Taste that Kills” explains that MSG is an excitotoxin, which means it overexcites your cells to the point of damage or death (the same as aspartame and other sweeteners which we’ll get on to), causing brain damage to varying degrees and possibly even causing the worsening of learning disabilities, Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease, Lou Gehrig’s disease plus more.
7. Sugar: I probably don’t have to expand on this one.
8. Yellow cornflour: according to Vani at FoodBabe.com “(it) is a highly processed chemically-altered form of corn that is added to processed food as a cheap texturizing agent – and it’s not a natural ingredient that you would use in the kitchen. The corn that it’s derived from is likely GMO, asmore than 90% of corn in the U.S. is genetically modified.”  
9. Natural flavourings: ‘Natural’ flavours (and colors) means nothing natural. There are so many ways to qualify a flavour or color as ‘natural’ when in reality it was created in a lab just like an artificial color or flavour – and is just as bad (if not worse) for you.Natural flavors are mostly chemical-based and synthetically created and most are carcinogenic and proven to be a health risk. Some natural flavors even contain propylene glycol, a solvent, or the carcinogenic preservative BHA.

[See Also: The Seven Most Acid-Forming Foods]

Important: this is just ONE example of the hidden toxins in a packaged foods. Most convenient, packaged, processed foods are the same. They largely all contain toxic colorings, flavourings, preservatives, anti-caking agents, fillers, glutens, sugars and more. The best way to avoid 99% of these horrible toxins is to eat fresh as much as possible.

The Simple, 3-Ingredient, 100% Natural & Healthy Taco Seasoning

To replace this avalanche of chemicals and artificial crap, you can replicate the exact same flavour in about 30 seconds with just three natural, health-giving, powerful ingredients.

Cumin, cinnamon and chilli.

That’s it.

Honestly. And it tastes fantastic in practically any Mexican dish.

Take equal parts cumin powder, cinnamon powder and chilli powder (or cumin seeds, cinnamon stick and dried chilli and smash them up in your pestle and mortar).

And that’s it

Simple 3-Ingredient Natural Taco Seasoning

2016-03-14 05:57:56

Yields 4

Just three ingredients to make any Mexican meal taste amazing. Contains anti-inflammatory, alkaline and nutrient dense spices.

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Prep Time

1 min

Prep Time

1 min

Ingredients

1. 1tbsp chilli powder
2. 1tbsp dried cinnamon (powdered)
3. 1tbsp dried cumin (powdered)

Instructions

1. Mix the ingredients and use in place of store-bought taco seasoning.
2. Optionally you can use dried chillies, cinnamon sticks and cumin seeds and bash and grind in a pestle and mortar.

By Ross

Live Energized http://liveenergized.com/

Doesn’t that sound better than cumin, chilli, cinnamon and MSG, maltodextrin, gluten, sugar, hydrogenated oils, Ethoxyquin and modified corn starch?.

Combining spices and herbs is such a simple way to add HUGE flavour (and nutrients) to your foods.

And you can use this simple spice combination as a taco/nacho/fajita/enchilada seasoning, a meat rub, in wraps, in salad dressings and so much more.  

It is just another example of how eating healthy & alkaline *CAN* be delicious, fast and easy – especially when you have someone who can show you how.

Enjoy and let me know your questions or comments below.
Ross

The post The 3-Ingredient Natural Taco Seasoning to Replace Toxic, Chemical-Laden Store-Bought Packets appeared first on Live Energized.

This is such a simple way to start the day in a, filling, warming, energizing way. It’s alkaline oats!

With just a few simple tweaks you can take this simple dish and make it a lot more alkalizing, while keeping it just as delicious and satisfying.

I’m all about making the alkaline diet as easy, stress-free, quick and simple as possible (and delicious, of course) and this recipe fits that bill nicely.

A lot of people are concerned that oats contain gluten, but here’s the thing…

Oats cannot be listed as gluten free unless they are milled in a facility that is certified gluten free. If they are milled in a facility that also mills wheat etc. then there can be small traces of gluten in the product. If you are diagnosed as celiac or with high gluten sensitivity, then you should seek out a certified GF oat product.

Oats by nature do not contain gluten. If you don’t have gluten sensitivity you’ll be fine with regular oats, but if you can find a certified GF product, why not go for that anyway 🙂

The post Alkaline Recipe #190: Simple Oats (GF) appeared first on Live Energized.

This is a life-saver for breakfast, I LOVE IT!

It’s highly alkaline, nourishing, GF, paleo-friendly and delicious.

Packing heaps of omega 3, MCT oils, fibre, and protein it’s filling, good for your digestive system, your brain, your metabolism and more.

And again…it’s delicious!

There’s a little bit of prep to it, but once it’s done it will store in an airtight container (and pref in the fridge) for a week or two and you can dip into it for snacks as well as serving at brekkie!

Ross’ Absurdly Delicious Gluten Free Paleo Granola Recipe

Ingredients

2 cups raw walnuts
2 cup raw cashews
1 cup raw pumpkin seeds
1 cup unsweetened shredded coconut
1/2 cup dried cranberries/goji/currants – your choice or a mix
2 tablespoons water
3 tablespoons coconut oil
1/3 cup coconut syrup
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
½ teaspoon Himalayan salt

Instructions

1) Preheat the oven to 300 degrees F (150 celcius) and line a baking tray with baking paper (parchment)

2) Roughly blend the walnuts, cashews and pumpkin seeds with a quick pulse to chop them roughly. Don’t blend them into a paste!

3) In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the water and coconut oil along with the coconut syrup, vanilla, cinammon and salt.

4) Pour the chopped nut mixture into the bowl, along with the dried cranberries and shredded coconut and mix together to coat it all.

5) Spread this out onto the baking paper on the baking sheet and put into the preheated oven for 20 minutes or until it looks deliciously golden. You might need to ‘stir’/shuffle it about after 10 minutes or so if it’s cooking unevenly.

6) Now remove from the oven and let it sit for 10 minutes without touching it!

7) Once you’ve waited the 10 minutes, use a spatula to get under the granola and release the large clusters and then cool, store and eat when you are hungry!

ENJOY!
Ross

The post Absurdly Delicious Gluten Free Paleo Granola Recipe appeared first on Live Energized.

Hey guys – these bliss balls are a lifesaver at Bridgeford Alkaline HQ!

It’s a truly delicious, raw alkaline snack to keep you going, energised and your taste buds satisfied!

Let’s face it, when you’re super-hungry and busy it’s THE stress-test to see if you are going to slip up, crack and grab something unhealthy.

This bliss ball recipe completely prevents this because it’s:

a) delicious
b) easy to make
c) quick to make
d) can be stored in the fridge
e) did I mention delicious?

It contains a little sweetness from the dates, but aside from that it’s highly alkaline with the cacao, pistachio, almond meal, coconut oil, chia seeds and almonds.

It’s full of healthy fats, protein, fibre and antioxidants and frankly the cacao makes it chocolatey while the almond meal gives it an almost brownie-like quality.

See Also: Get Over 125+ Delicious & Easy-to-Make Alkaline Recipes Here

We strictly use cacao here – not cocoa. The difference is explained by Sarah Wilson here brilliantly and it’s really important that even if you don’t want to understand why, that you always use cacao.

I strongly recommend you try these out – they’re a staple in our house, especially for Leo (our little 4 year old boy). Having delicious, healthy, alkaline snacks at hand can be the difference between success and failure for a lot of people.

Raw Cacao, Pistachio & Almond Bliss Balls

Makes 12 Bliss Balls

Ingredients

4 Medjool dates
1 cup almond meal
1/2 cup shredded coconut
1/3 cup coconut oil
1/3 cup cacao powder
1/3 cup pistachios
1/4 cup almonds
1 tbsp chia seeds

Instructions

Start by softening the dates and almonds in hot water. Preferably soak the almonds for at least 4 hours…unless you’re using a high speed blender or food processor (such as the Vitamix, in which case no softening is needed).

The dates need about an hour to soften – make sure you remove the seed.

Now process/blend the dates, almond meal, almonds, half of the pistachios, shredded coconut, coconut oil, cacao and chia together.

Move this to a bowl and let it stand for a few minutes to allow the chia to soften and expand.

Smash the remaining pistachios and roll this raw mixture into small balls and roll in the crushed pistachios to coat them.

Enjoy!

These will keep in the fridge for seven days, and are a great grab and go snack offering dense, filling nourishment to keep you going until your next meal.

Do you have a bliss ball recipe you want to share? Or a variant? Do you love it with more cacao, less coconut, added goji berries, raw or baked? Let me know in the comments below!

Ross

The post Alkaline Recipe #191 Super-Fast Bliss Balls (No-Bake Recipe) appeared first on Live Energized.

This is the ultimate morning kick-start to power up your metabolism, help ignite effortless fat loss, supercharge your brain and focus and alkalize, energize and provide a hit of anti-inflammatories…

ALL IN ONE CUP! It’s like the perfect natural energy drink that gives you focused, sustained, all-day energy – not a high then crash.

This is the alkaline take on the legendary Bulletproof Coffee pioneered by the amazing Dave Asprey. Full props to Dave for the inspiration.

I have tweaked it because the caffeine (also seen in “bulletproof” green tea varieties) and butter – albeit containing healthy properties – are acidic and clogging and stressful to our adrenals, and the addition of turmeric & ginger and maca make this highly anti-inflammatory, alkalizing and awesome.

The turmeric & ginger have been proven beyond doubt to be a more potent anti-inflammatory than at least 14 OTC anti-inflammatory drugs, while also being proven to help prevent and fight various cancers, heart disease and more.

Maca is known to be a booster for the immune system, and increased energy, stamina, improved sexual function, memory, and focus. It’s also known as an ‘adaptogen’ – the name given to a collection of roots and plants that are proven to help protect the adrenal system from stressors. (see more on maca here)

I know it might seem weird to be putting coconut oil in tea…but this just works – trust me! And the saturated fats from the coconut oil will make this tea a bad-cholesterol-fighting superstar…as well as adding even more all-day energy to your day.

Alkaline, Anti-Inflammatory ‘Bulletproof’ Tea

Serves 2

Ingredients

1 inch of fresh turmeric sliced
1 inch of fresh ginger sliced
1 tbsp coconut oil
500ml coconut milk or almond milk
1 tsp powdered cinnamon
1 tsp maca powder (optional)
1 tsp coconut syrup (optional)

Instructions

1. Start by slicing the turmeric and ginger and then put these in a saucepan with the milk, coconut oil, cinnamon, maca and syrup if using (it’s totally optional to leave it out – and healthier if you do)
2. Bring to a simmer and let simmer for 5 minutes
3. At this stage if you have time, leave for a further 10 minutes to allow the ginger and turmeric to infuse a little longer
4. Pour everything into a high powered blended (pref like a Nutribullet or Vitamix – note, they’re just links for your benefit, I’m not selling them 🙂 and then blend on a high speed for 30 seconds to liquify the turmeric and ginger and create a nice froth on the tea
5. Serve and enjoy!

This drink alone will keep you going for a couple of hours in the morning if you’re up early for a work session, meditation, exercise etc. I love to have this if I’m up at 4am or 5am for an early morning writing session (I do my best writing before the sun is up), and I then have breakfast with the family at 8am. With this drink I don’t even think about food until then.

I hope you love this – it’s a big winner in my house 🙂

Ross

PS Tim Ferris also has his own bulletproof energy drink that he calls Titanium Tea (tongue in cheek). It’s a bit more acidic using green tea and aged pu-er tea, but it could also be worth a try. Check Tim’s out here.

Printer Friendly Version:

Alkaline Anti-Inflammatory 'Bulletproof' Tea

2016-06-06 22:25:54

Serves 2

This is the ultimate morning kick-start to power up your metabolism, help ignite effortless fat loss, supercharge your brain and focus and alkalize, energize and provide a hit of anti-inflammatories…

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Prep Time

3 min

Cook Time

3 min

Total Time

6 min

Prep Time

3 min

Cook Time

3 min

Total Time

6 min

Ingredients

1. 1 inch of fresh turmeric sliced
2. 1 inch of fresh ginger sliced
3. 1 tbsp coconut oil
4. 500ml coconut milk or almond milk
5. 1 tsp powdered cinnamon
6. 1 tsp maca powder (optional)
7. 1 tsp coconut syrup (optional)

Instructions

1. Start by slicing the turmeric and ginger and then put these in a saucepan with the milk, coconut oil, cinnamon, maca and syrup if using (it’s totally optional to leave it out – and healthier if you do)
2. Bring to a simmer and let simmer for 5 minutes
3. At this stage if you have time, leave for a further 10 minutes to allow the ginger and turmeric to infuse a little longer
4. Pour everything into a high powered blended (pref like a Nutribullet or Vitamix – note, they’re just links for your benefit, I’m not selling them and then blend on a high speed for 30 seconds to liquify the turmeric and ginger and create a nice froth on the tea
5. Serve and enjoy your alkaline bulletproof tea!

Notes

1. See www.bulletproofexec.com for Dave's work

By Ross Bridgeford

Adapted from Bulletproof Coffee

Adapted from Bulletproof Coffee

Live Energized http://liveenergized.com/

The post Alkaline Recipe #192: Alkaline Anti-Inflammatory ‘Bulletproof’ Tea appeared first on Live Energized.

Holy moly this tea is a WINNER. I’ve been working on this one for a while and the addition of a very special ingredient has taken it from an 8 out of 10 to an off the charts out of 10!

I love every flavour in this tea – it’s smooth, soothing and delicious.

And of course, it’s packed FULL of nourishing nutrients from the coconut oil, cacao, maca, chili, cardamon, cinnamon, ginger and that special ingredient…

It’s basically an outrageously delicious hot chocolate, but healthy, alkaline and energizing.

See Also: Get Over 125+ Delicious & Easy-to-Make Alkaline Recipes Here

Alkaline Chilli Chai Hot Chocolate

Serves 2

Ingredients

450ml coconut or almond milk
1 tbsp almond butter (note this is the secret ingredient, makes it SO creamy!)
2 tbsp organic cacao powder
1 inch of root ginger sliced
1 tsp cardamon powder
1 tsp cinnamon powder
1 red chilli (adjust to preference of heat)
1 tbsp coconut oil or MCT oil

Instructions

1. Start by slicing the ginger, and then add the ginger, milk, cacao, almond butter, spices and oil to a saucepan
2. Simmer for 5-10 minutes and then transfer to a blender and blend on high speed until smooth and a froth has formed
3. Sprinkle with cinnamon, serve and enjoy!

This is a fantastic one in the colder months…but can also be enjoyed on ice in summer too!

Ross

The post Alkaline Recipe #193 Chilli Chai Hot Chocolate appeared first on Live Energized.

Magnesium deficiency can lead to hundreds of incredibly debilitating conditions and it is estimated that around 80% of the Western world is chronically deficient and most don’t even realise.

We hear all about vitamin d deficiency, calcium deficiency, the importance of getting enough fibre and protein…but magnesium is perhaps even more important.

Why Magnesium Is So Important

Magnesium is critical to almost every function in our body – yet our modern diet is absolutely devoid of this highly alkaline mineral.

Research published in the journal BMC Bioinformatics found that this one essential mineral activates over 350 biochemical processes in the body – and a deficiency can have far-reaching consequences.

What starts as twitches, little spasms and restless legs can quickly escalate, developing slowly and un-noticed beneath the surface before suddenly erupting as a serious condition.

Diabetes, fibromyalgia, several cancers, heart disease, metabolic syndrome, osteoporosis, IBS, inflammation, hormone disruption, depression and more are all associated with chronically low magnesium levels.

And because less than 1% of total body magnesium is in the blood – low magnesium is not picked up by regular routine blood tests.

Make Sure You Are Not One of the 80% Seriously At Risk of Low Magnesium

This smoothie is my anti-dote to magnesium deficiency.

This deliciously alkaline, anti-oxidant, magnesium-rich smoothie not only leaves you feeling satisfied, energised and thriving – but it contains 140% of your RDI of magnesium per serve!

(plus 32g of protein, 87% of your potassium needs, 96% of your daily fibre, 65% of your daily calcium and so on…)

Imagine getting all of this goodness in before you even leave the house in the morning!

Plus because of the nature of these ingredients, you can make twice as much as you need and either freeze the rest or store it in the fridge for up to 36-48 hours so you can get all the magnesium you need the next day too!

(I like to freeze in individual serves and then take a frozen serve to work with me – allowing it to defrost naturally during the day and then enjoying as a mid-morning snack).

The Live Energized Magnesium Super Smoothie

Serves 2
Ingredients

• 1 avocado
• 3 handfuls kale
• 1 small cucumber
• 4 handfuls spinach
• 3 handfuls swiss chard
• Small handful almonds (approx 25 nuts)
• Handful pumpkin seeds
• 1/2 cup navy beans
• 200ml almond milk (or water)

Method

Simply blend all of the ingredients together!

You can use filtered water instead of almond milk to keep costs down (or use another nut milk), and feel free to vary the quantities of the milk/water to the thickness you like.

This smoothie is substantial and will keep you full for a long time – with the combination of protein, fat and fibre (the satiation equation!) – you will be kept going for hours on a glass of this!

Are You Magnesium Deficient?

Nine of the most common ways in which magnesium deficiency shows up are:

1. Leg cramps
2. Insomnia
3. Muscle pain/Fibromyalgia
4. Anxiety
5. High blood pressure
6. Type 2 Diabetes
7. High Blood Pressure
8. Fatigue
9. Migranes
10. Weak bones

If you’re experiencing any of these symptoms – it’s worth adding more magnesium into your diet as it will undoubtedly help!

Remember – An Alkaline Diet is Magnesium Rich!

If you are eating a varied, alkaline-based diet you will be getting plenty of magnesium. My daily diet is rich in these magnesium-rich green foods, nuts like almonds and cashews and other foods that are full of mag such as quinoa, chia, avocado, beans, nuts, seeds, pulses and so on.

A typical day eating from my one of my Alkaline Meal Plans in my Alkaline Base Camp mentoring group including these recipes:

Breakfast: Live Energized Power Smoothie
Lunch: Alkaline Lunchtime Wrap
Dinner: Alkaline Thai Curry
And snacking on Almonds & Seeds

Leads to a magnesium intake of 273% the RDI (and 93g protein as an aside).

The biggest influence on whether a food is alkaline is it’s concentration of alkaline minerals – and magnesium (alongside potassium, calcium and sodium) is one of the most alkaline minerals.

So an alkaline diet is also a magnesium-rich diet.

…and antioxidant rich, anti-inflammatory, anti-cancer, anti-aging…

Enjoy
Ross

Alkaline Recipe #194 Magneiusm Super Smoothie Scientific References & Sources:

Arayne MS, Sultana N, Hussain F. Interactions between ciprofloxacin and antacids–dissolution and adsorption studies. Drug Metabol Drug Interact 2005;21:117-29. 16355977

Adebamowo SN, Spiegelman D, Willett WC, Rexrode KM; Association between intakes of magnesium, potassium, and calcium and risk of stroke: 2 cohorts of US women and updated meta-analyses. Am J Clin Nutr. 2015 May 6. Epub 2015 May 6. PMID: 25948665

Adebamowo SN, Spiegelman D, Flint AJ, Willett WC, Rexrode KM; Intakes of magnesium, potassium, and calcium and the risk of stroke among men. Int J Stroke. 2015 Oct ;10(7):1093-100. Epub 2015 Jun 4. PMID: 26044278

Aydin H, Deyneli O, Yavuz D, Gözü H, Mutlu N, Kaygusuz I, Akalin S. Short-term oral magnesium supplementation suppresses bone turnover in postmenopausal osteoporotic women. Biol Trace Elem Res 2010;133:136-43. PMID 19488681

Chiu HY, Tu-Hsueh Yeh, Yin-Cheng Huang, Pin-Yuan Chen; Effects of Intravenous and Oral Magnesium on Reducing Migraine: A Meta-analysis of Randomized Controlled Trial; Pain Physician. 2016 Jan ;19(1):E97-E112. PMID: 26752497

De Oliveira GS, Castro-Alves LJ, Jamil H Khan, Robert J McCarthy; Perioperative systemic magnesium to minimize postoperative pain: a meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials. Anesthesiology. 2013 Jul ;119(1):178-90. PMID: 23669270

Del Gobbo LC, Imamura F, Wu JHY, de Oliveira Otto MC; Circulating and dietary magnesium and risk of cardiovascular disease: a systematic review and meta-analysis of prospective studies. Am J Clin Nutr. 2013 Jul ;98(1):160-73. Epub 2013 May 29. PMID: 23719551

Eisinger J, A Plantamura, P A Marie, T Ayavou. Selenium and magnesium status in fibromyalgia. Magnes Res. 1994 Dec;7(3-4):285-8. PMID 7786692

G-C Chen, Z Pang, Q-F Liu; Magnesium intake and risk of colorectal cancer: a meta-analysis of prospective studies. Eur J Clin Nutr. 2012 Nov ;66(11):1182-6. Epub 2012 Oct 3. PMID: 23031849

Hurry A. et al; Higher magnesium intake is associated with lower fasting glucose and insulin, with no evidence of interaction with select genetic loci, in a meta-analysis of 15 CHARGE Consortium Studies. J Nutr. 2013 Mar ;143(3):345-53. Epub 2013 Jan 23. PMID: 23343670

Huss M, Völp A, Stauss-Grabo M; Supplementation of polyunsaturated fatty acids, magnesium and zinc in children seeking medical advice for attention-deficit/hyperactivity problems – an observational cohort study. Lipids Health Dis. 2010;9:105. Epub 2010 Sep 24. PMID: 20868469

Jin Ko H, Chang Ho Youn, Hyo Min Kim, Yoon Jeong Cho, Geon Ho Lee, Won Kee Lee; Dietary magnesium intake and risk of cancer: a meta-analysis of epidemiologic studies. Nutr Cancer. 2014 ;66(6):915-23. Epub 2014 Jun 9. PMID: 24910891

Larsson SC, Orsini N, Wolk A. Dietary magnesium intake and risk of stroke: a meta-analysis of prospective studies. Am J Clin Nutr 2012;95:362-6. PMID 22205313

Larsson SC, Wolk A. Magnesium intake and risk of type 2 diabetes: a meta-analysis. J Intern Med 2007;262:208-14. PMID 17645588

Sarafidis PA, Georgianos PI, Lasaridis AN. Diuretics in clinical practice. Part II: electrolyte and acid-base disorders complicating diuretic therapy. Expert Opin Drug Saf 2010;9:259-73. PMID 20095916

Sun-Edelstein C, Mauskop A. Role of magnesium in the pathogenesis and treatment of migraine. Expert Rev Neurother 2009;9:369–79 PMID 19271946

Tao Xu X. et al; Safety and efficacy of calcium and magnesium infusions in the chemoprevention of oxaliplatin-induced sensory neuropathy in gastrointestinal cancers. J Dig Dis. 2013 Jun ;14(6):288-98. PMID: 23432969

Wark PA, Lau R, Norat T, Kampman E; Magnesium intake and colorectal tumor risk: a case-control study and meta-analysis. Am J Clin Nutr. 2012 Sep ;96(3):622-31. Epub 2012 Aug 1. PMID: 22854408

Yamori Y, Takashi T, Hideki M, Mari M; Low cardiovascular risks in the middle aged males and females excreting greater 24-hour urinary taurine and magnesium in 41 WHO-CARDIAC study populations in the world. J Biomed Sci. 2010;17 Suppl 1:S21. Epub 2010 Aug 24. PMID: 20804596

Zheng J, Xueli Mao, Junqi Ling, Qun He, Jingjing Quan, Hongbo Jiang; Association between serum level of magnesium and postmenopausal osteoporosis: a meta-analysis. Biol Trace Elem Res. 2014 Jun ;159(1-3):8-14. Epub 2014 Apr 12. PMID: 24728877

Disclaimer: This article is not intended to provide medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Views expressed here do not necessarily reflect those of LiveEnergized, Energise International or its staff.

The post Alkaline Recipe #194 Magneiusm-Rich Super Smoothie appeared first on Live Energized.

This salad is SO fast to make, so satisfying and it’s unbelievably alkaline. It’s become my #1 favourite alkaline lunch.

The crunchy kale and radish, the surprise of the texture of the nuts, the creaminess of the tahini dressing…

Oh man, I’m drooling just thinking about it!

It’s packed with alkalinity, packed with nutrients and is highly anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidant rich.

I love making it easy to get alkaline, get healthy, and get nourished and this salad is a real shortcut. The prep time of the whole thing is about 8 minutes yet it presents and tastes like a meal that’s had real care taken in it’s preparation!

If you’re in a hurry this is a great, filling salad.

OR you can use it as a fantastic starter or side salad.

In summary, it ROCKS.

Crunchy Kale Salad with Tahini Dressing

Serves 2

Ingredients

4 big handfuls of kale, stalks removed and roughly sliced
8 brussels sprouts, shaved thin
2 radishes, thinly sliced
1 carrot, shredded or thinly sliced
1/2 cup of canellini beans (or any other beans you like!)
2 tablespoons of almonds, roughly chopped
1 tablespoon of cashews
1 tablespoon of pumpkin seeds
1 cup basil, chopped

For the Tahini Dressing

Half a large avocado
1 tbsp tahini
1 garlic clove
1 tbsp olive or flax oil
2 tbsp fresh lemon juice
Cracked black pepper
Pinch of Himalayan salt

Instructions

1. This is so simple – first put all of the dressing ingredients except for the water into a blender or food processor and whizz until smooth. If you want to thin the consistency out a little, add a little water, a tablespoon at a time
2. Now make the salad by mixing all of the salad ingredients together
3. Pour over the dressing and stir well
4. Serve!

As an option, you can add another step by mixing just the kale, sprouts, carrots and radishes with about a third of the dressing and then leaving to stand for 5-10 minutes to allow the kale to soften a little, then add the rest of the stuff and the rest of the dressing.

I just go for it in the shortest possible time as I like my kale a little crunchy – but whatever suits you best!

Ross

The post Alkaline Recipe #195 Crunchy Kale Salad with Tahini Dressing appeared first on Live Energized.

The easiest, perfectly balanced alkaline breakfast recipe

Starting the day with a quality breakfast is not only important – it’s critical. Study after study has proven that a consistent breakfast:

• Increases cognition
• Mental performance and behaviour
• Helps balance hormones
• Increase metabolism
• Mobilise unwanted visceral fat
• Build muscle
• Improves digestion…
• And so much more!

And this is my most simple alkaline breakfast. It’s nutrient dense, alkaline, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant-rich and importantly – quick and easy to make!

I’m wondering why I didn’t share this one earlier! I must have thought I already had!

As you can see there are now 197 free alkaline recipes on this site, so I can be forgiven for forgetting one or two (not to mention the almost 200 recipes and meal plans in my Alkaline Recipe System).

[See Also: The Ultimate Alkaline Breakfast Recipes Guide]

Why This Is My Perfect, Simple Alkaline Breakfast

A brilliantly balanced breakfast will give you:

1. Proper quantities of macro-nutrients: carbs, fats & protein
2. Huge quantities of micronutrients: vitamins, minerals etc.
3. A big hit of greens
4. A feeling of fullness and satisfaction
5. A source of steady, sustainable, enjoyable all-day energy
6. TIME! It should be quick and easy!

And this simple breakfast recipe gives you all of that!

You get abundant quantities of healthy fats from the avocado and flax oil, a solid 25g protein from the quinoa, greens, nuts and seeds, 2-3 serves of green foods, a huge range of antioxidants from the greens, broccoli and tomato and of course it’s warming, filling, delicious and FAST!

This truly sets you up for an energized, engaged, focused, positive, alkaline day!

The Ultimate Simple Alkaline Breakfast

Serves 2
Ingredients

50g uncooked quinoa
1 big handful of spinach leaves
1 big handful of kale leaves (removed from stem)
12 cherry tomatoes or 2 large tomatoes
1/2 capsicum
1 handful of broccoli florets
1 avocado
Flax oil
Juice of 1/2 lemon
Himalayan salt
Black pepper

Optional: mixed nuts and seeds

Instructions

Start by getting the quinoa cooking. To do this, simply rinse it in a sieve under cold water and then add to a saucepan in the ratio of 1:1.5 (so approx half a cup of quinoa and 3/4 cup of water – BUT – I’d recommend cooking 1 cup of quinoa (and thus 1.5 cups of water) so you have some left over for later to put in a salad etc.).

Bring this to a boil and then turn down to the lowest simmer and cover. Leave this for 8-10 minutes but keep checking back. You know it is done when the quinoa gets their little curly tail and the water is gone.

Once it’s done, let it rest for another few minutes.

While the quinoa is cooking get the broccoli onto a super light steam just for 4-5 minutes so it’s still crunchy, but is giving the meal a little extra warmth.

Now slice up the avocado into cubes, thinly slice the spinach and kale, halve the cherry tomatoes, slice the capsicum and if you’re using nuts (such as almonds, cashews etc.) bash these with the flat side of a knife, or slice up roughly.

Once the quinoa and broccoli are done, simply put everything in a large bowl and drizzle with olive/flax oil and the lemon juice. Season and enjoy!

Nutrient Content Per Serve for the Simple Alkaline Breakfast

Enjoy and if you have any questions please leave them below in the comments!

Ross

Simple Alkaline Breakfast

2016-07-19 20:20:56

Serves 2

A perfectly balanced, simple alkaline breakfast including 25g protein and all of your daily vitamin C, A, K, manganese, magnesium and potassium plus an abundance of antioxidants, anti-inflammatory foods, healthy fats and of course alkalinity!

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Prep Time

7 min

Cook Time

3 min

Total Time

10 min

Prep Time

7 min

Cook Time

3 min

Total Time

10 min

Ingredients

1. 50g uncooked quinoa
2. 1 big handful of spinach leaves
3. 1 big handful of kale leaves (removed from stem)
4. 12 cherry tomatoes or 2 large tomatoes
5. 1/2 capsicum
6. 1 handful of broccoli florets
7. 1 avocado
8. Flax oil
9. Juice of 1/2 lemon
10. Himalayan salt
11. Black pepper

Instructions

1. Start by getting the quinoa cooking. To do this, simply rinse it in a sieve under cold water and then add to a saucepan in the ratio of 1:1.5 (so approx half a cup of quinoa and 3/4 cup of water – BUT – I’d recommend cooking 1 cup of quinoa (and thus 1.5 cups of water) so you have some left over for later to put in a salad etc.).
2. Bring this to a boil and then turn down to the lowest simmer and cover. Leave this for 8-10 minutes but keep checking back. You know it is done when the quinoa gets their little curly tail and the water is gone.
3. Once it’s done, let it rest for another few minutes.
4. While the quinoa is cooking get the broccoli onto a super light steam just for 4-5 minutes so it’s still crunchy, but is giving the meal a little extra warmth.
5. Now slice up the avocado into cubes, thinly slice the spinach and kale, halve the cherry tomatoes, slice the capsicum and if you’re using nuts (such as almonds, cashews etc.) bash these with the flat side of a knife, or slice up roughly.
6. Once the quinoa and broccoli are done, simply put everything in a large bowl and drizzle with olive/flax oil and the lemon juice. Season and enjoy!

Notes

1. Optional ingredients are to top with chopped/smashed up nuts and seeds. If you find the taste of flax too much to begin with use half olive oil and half flax.

By Ross Bridgeford

Live Energized http://liveenergized.com/

The post Simple Alkaline Breakfast (Alkaline Recipe #197) appeared first on Live Energized.

How great would it be leaving the house in the morning knowing you had already had the perfect balance of nutrients your body needs?

To know you had set your day up to be a huge win, after only 5 minutes spent in the kitchen (we all know how busy mornings can be)…?

Having the RIGHT breakfast makes an incredible difference to you energy, cravings and performance throughout the whole day.

And the food decisions you make within that first hour of waking are crucial.

Get it wrong and your hormones and blood sugar, your metabolism and energy levels, your digestion and brain performance – these all get stuffed and face a huge uphill battle to recover.

But get it right and the day is effortless.

As always, my whole approach to the alkaline diet and getting you to your health goals is simple: just give your body the tools it needs to thrive and it will repay you tenfold.

What Makes the Perfect Breakfast

Upon waking, your body starts the day’s cycle – your blood sugar levels and insulin levels, cortisol levels, metabolism, the balancing of the melatonin that ends the sleep cycle and prepares the next…these all run on cycles, starting with you waking – and most importantly WHAT you eat for breakfast and WHEN you eat it…

To properly nourish the body and get it set up for success your breakfast should try to follow at least these rules while eliminating the foods below:

1. Eat within 60 minutes (preferably 30 minutes) of waking
2. Include protein – at least 7-8g
3. Include fibre, any kind is fine – soluble, insoluble and resistant starch – a mix is best
4. Healthy fats – this is critical: coconut oil, omega 3, and a combination from olive oil, avocado, nuts, seeds etc

→ And eliminate these breakfast energy killers:

1. Gluten containing grains – wheat, rye, spelt (i.e. toast, pop tarts, pastries, regular breakfast cereals)
2. Sugar – particularly fructose-containing sugar (flavoured yoghurts, jams, regular breakfast cereals, fruit juice) – see more on sugar here
3. Dairy products (milk, yoghurt)
4. Processed meat (bacon, sausages etc.)

If you can hit these rules and avoid these energy killers you will soon notice how incredible you’re SUPPOSED to feel in the morning!

Three 5-Minute Breakfasts That Tick Every Box

So today I’m giving you my three faves that meet all of these criteria and get you off to a FLYING start.

By consuming one of these three breakfasts every day you will notice very quickly that you have improvements with:

• Memory & mental focus
• Staying fuller for longer and no snack attacks mid morning
• Far less sugar & carb cravings
• Better moods
• Weight loss (if needed)
• Soothed digestion and reduction of reflux conditions
• Calmed inflammation, aches and pains

And because breakfast can be such a hectic time getting out of the door – I have tailored and developed these recipes to make them FAST and easy.

Let’s do it:

Breakfast 1: Perfectly Balanced, High Alkaline Breakfast Smoothie

This is a consistent favourite in my house, and with visiting friends and family too. It tastes delicious, contains greens but doesn’t taste of greens, and has everything you need to get the day off to the PERFECT start:

Perfectly Balanced Alkaline Breakfast Smoothie

2016-08-25 20:43:38

Serves 2

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Prep Time

3 min

Cook Time

2 min

Total Time

5 min

Prep Time

3 min

Cook Time

2 min

Total Time

5 min

Ingredients

1. 250ml coconut milk
2. 200ml filtered water
3. 1tbsp coconut oil
4. Handful almonds
5. Handful cashews
6. Handful organic oats
7. Handful chia seeds
8. 1/2 avocado
9. 1 cucumber
10. 1 large handful baby spinach/kale leaves

Instructions

1. Put the liquids and the chia seeds into the blender and leave for 2 minutes to allow the chia to soften a little and go gelatinous.
2. Then add the remaining ingredients and blend until smooth.

Notes

1. Note: if you don’t have a high powered blender you may have to soak the almonds and cashew overnight to soften them.
2. Extra Note: if you want to add more protein and some of the resistant starch, you can include 25-50g of cooked kidney beans. This is totally optional.

By Ross Bridgeford

Live Energized http://liveenergized.com/

This recipe contains 12g protein per serve and 18.5g fibre – which is over half your daily needs and from a blend of sources, which is ideal. If you include the kidney beans you’re going to be over 20g and include that resistant starch too.

And fats…from the coconut oil, cashews, almonds, avocado, chia, greens…you’re getting plenty!

Breakfast 2: Creamy Coconut & Vanilla Bircher Pots

This pre-prepared beauty is a thing of wonder. Containing an abundance of everything you need to get moving and balance your body’s processes, cycles and ignite the metabolism – this tastes like a real treat.

Creamy Coconut & Vanilla Bircher Pots

2016-08-25 20:48:14

Serves 2

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Prep Time

5 min

Total Time

5 min

Prep Time

5 min

Total Time

5 min

Ingredients

1. 1 cup gluten free oats
2. 1 tbsp coconut oil
3. 1 tbsp chia seeds
4. 1 tbsp shredded coconut
5. 1 tsp ground vanilla beans/vanilla paste
6. 1 tbsp flax meal
7. 1 cup almond milk
8. 1 chopped date
9. 1 tablespoon pumpkin seeds
10. 1 tablespoon sunflower seeds
11. Pinch of cinnamon
12. Pinch of Himalayan salt

Instructions

1. Put all of the ingredients into a mason jars and stir well
2. Leave in the fridge overnight
3. Serve! Optionally with coconut yoghurt for extra creaminess.

Notes

1. Note: it’s easy to make 6 or 7 of these at a time as they will last all week in the fridge

By Ross Bridgeford

Live Energized http://liveenergized.com/

Breakfast 3: Chai-Infused Quinoa Porridge

This chai-spice inspired quinoa porridge is HUGELY anti-inflammatory, while having those important protein/fibre/fat-rich ingredients too.

It’s a warming option for everyone reading this in winter!

Chai-Infused Quinoa Porridge

2016-08-25 20:52:56

Serves 2

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Prep Time

5 min

Cook Time

5 min

Total Time

10 min

Prep Time

5 min

Cook Time

5 min

Total Time

10 min

Ingredients

1. 1 cup of dry quinoa (pref organic)
2. 1 tbsp chia seeds
3. 2 cups of water (pref alkaline)
4. 1 stick of cinnamon (or 1/2 teaspoon dried)
5. 1 1/2 teaspoons ground ginger or 1 inch piece of fresh root ginger finely grated
6. 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg (pref fresh grated)
7. 1/2 cup of coconut cream or milk (depending on how creamy you want it)
8. 1/2 lemon skin grated (or lime)
9. 1 vanilla bean pod or vanilla paste
10. Half a handful of cashew, almonds, brazil nuts or any other nut to your taste
11. 1 tbsp coconut oil
12. Optional: coconut yoghurt
, cloves, ground
, 1/2 grated apple

Instructions

1. First prepare the quinoa to the packet instructions (approx 2 parts water to 1 part quinoa in a saucepan, brought to a boil and then turned down to a simmer and covered until all water evaporated)
2. Once the quinoa is cooked and drained, add it back to the saucepan and stir in the chai spices (cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg and cloves if you’ve done them in a pestle and mortar) and add the coconut cream or milk and throw in the scraped out vanilla pod (or add the drop or two of vanilla essence).
3. You can pick either the milk or cream depending on how creamy and thick you want it.
4. When it’s ready, grate in the apple if you’re using it – right at the end.
5. Warm through and then serve in a big bowl. To serve, add the lemon rind grated onto the top and sprinkle with extra ground cinnamon. Finally throw on the seeds and nuts (I recommend sesame seeds with this especially).
6. As an indulgent extra, you can also serve with a dollop of coconut yoghurt, which is alkaline and JUST DELICIOUS!

By Ross Bridgeford

Live Energized http://liveenergized.com/

Without the Right Nutrients at Breakfast the Body Goes into Hormonal, Acidic, Inflammatory Turmoil…

If you’ve ever had daytime fatigue, mid-morning and mid-afternoon slumps and sugar cravings, disturbed sleep or difficulty getting to/staying asleep, easy weight gain but difficult weight loss, poor memory or concentration during the day, aches and pains….

Your breakfast could easily be the culprit. The hormonal imbalances caused by a lack of (or the wrong kind of) breakfast are devastating and far-reaching.

If you don’t get these healthy fats, fibre and protein at breakfast your blood sugar and insulin will go on a haywire journey of spikes and troughs…knocking on to your cortisol levels, with high cortisol needed to mop up the damage of the high insulin…needed because of the high blood sugar…

The constant need for insulin (for the high blood sugar) and cortisol (for the high insulin) completely stresses your adrenals, which knocks on to the thyroid, pituitary…and practically every other area of your hormone-regulating system (your endocrine system).

All you’ve got to do it stick to these three, super-fast, super-simple breakfasts and you’re going to be thriving!
Sometimes having an energised body and reaching the health of our dreams is a LOT easier than we’ve been led to believe – and getting breakfast sorted is one of those things.

Keep it simple and let’s do this!
Ross

Read Next: The “Bulletproof” TEA that’s adrenal-healing, alkaline, anti-inflammatory and will make you FLY in the mornings!

The post 3 Fast Alkaline Breakfasts To Make You Feel Refreshed And Ready To Take On The World appeared first on Live Energized.

This is the The Easiest Sweet Potato Brownie recipe you’ll ever see!

Including alkaline, anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidant rich ingredients, it only takes 15-20 minutes to make!

I love this for it’s speed, ease and deliciousness – gets you out of a bother when you have a sweet tooth but contains only 3-4g of sugar per serve! That’s practically nothing!

Recipe: Sweet Potato Brownies

Ingredients

1 whole medium sweet potato
2 cups almonds (or cashews or a mix)
5 tablespoon raw cacao powder
1 pinch Himalayan salt
¼ cup coconut oil, melted
¼ cup rice malt syrup

Optional: 1 tablespoon coconut flour (optional but adds to texture)

Method:

1) start by peeling and chopping the sweet potato into large, rough chunks and then boil until soft (about 15-20 minutes depending on the size of the chunks)

2) Set that aside and cool and in the meantime, blend the nuts, cacao and salt until reasonably fine.

3) Put this in a mixing bowl with the coconut oil, coconut flour (if using) and rice malt syrup and mix through thoroughly.

4) Once the sweet potato has cooled, mash this and then stir and fold this into the mixture.

5) Put everything into a lined or lightly greased pan and press it down firmly, and then put into the fridge or freezer (depending on how you’re going to use it – see below).

This makes about a dozen decent slices (or more if you want them for snacks) and contains zero fructose and very little sugar – BUT – lots of protein, fibre and healthy fats to keep you going for hours.

If you are going to eat all of them between yourself, family, guests etc these within a couple of days, put straight into the fridge. However, if you are planning on having them slowly over a week or two, cover and put in the freezer as sliced, individual serves. You can remove them and enjoy within just 10-15 minutes of taking them out of the freezer.

Sweet Potato Brownies

2016-08-27 00:52:36

Yields 12

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Prep Time

15 min

Cook Time

5 min

Total Time

20 min

Prep Time

15 min

Cook Time

5 min

Total Time

20 min

Ingredients

1. 1 whole medium sweet potato
2. 2 cups almonds (or cashews or a mix)
3. 5 tablespoon raw cacao powder
4. 1 pinch Himalayan salt
5. ¼ cup coconut oil, melted
6. ¼ cup rice malt syrup

Instructions

1. 1) start by peeling and chopping the sweet potato into large, rough chunks and then boil until soft (about 15-20 minutes depending on the size of the chunks)
2. 2) Set that aside and cool and in the meantime, blend the nuts, cacao and salt until reasonably fine.
3. 3) Put this in a mixing bowl with the coconut oil, coconut flour (if using) and rice malt syrup and mix through thoroughly.
4. 4) Once the sweet potato has cooled, mash this and then stir and fold this into the mixture.
5. 5) Put everything into a lined or lightly greased pan and press it down firmly, and then put into the fridge or freezer (depending on how you’re going to use it – see below).

Notes

1. This makes about a dozen decent slices (or more if you want them for snacks) and contains zero fructose and very little sugar – BUT – lots of protein, fibre and healthy fats to keep you going for hours.
2. If you are going to eat all of them between yourself, family, guests etc these within a couple of days, put straight into the fridge. However, if you are planning on having them slowly over a week or two, cover and put in the freezer as sliced, individual serves. You can remove them and enjoy within just 10-15 minutes of taking them out of the freezer.

By Ross Bridgeford

Live Energized http://liveenergized.com/

Read Next: My Amazing Chilli-Chai Hot Chocolate Recipe!

The post Alkaline Recipe #198: 6-Ingredient Anti-Inflammatory, Alkaline Sweet Potato Brownies appeared first on Live Energized.

THESE ARE RIDICULOUSLY EASY AND DELICIOUS! I love them so much. They’re great to make in bulk and have stored, and are so fast.

They are also tasty, have the anti-inflammatory properties from the ginger, protein and fibre from the oats, healthy fats from the coconut oil and if you use the flaxmeal, omega 3 from here too!

Give these a try they’re so flippin easy!

No-Bake Alkaline Breakfast Bars

Ingredients:
5 cups uncooked oatmeal (quick oats)
320g almond butter
1 cup coconut cream
3 tbsp rice malt syrup (brown rice syrup)
1 inch ginger (or 2 tsp ground ginger)
2 tbsp coconut oil

Optional: swap 1 cup of oatmeal for 1 cup flaxmeal

Directions

1. Put the coconut cream, coconut oil and rice malt syrup into a large mixing bowl and whisk until everything is combined
2. Now add the almond butter and grate in the ginger and whisk until it’s all combined. The almond butter – depending on the temperature of your room may stay a little in a clump/lump – but don’t worry about this because…
3. Now that you add the oats (and flax) you can mix with a spoon to smooth it all out. If it’s still lumpy you can use your hands (which is lots of fun) to mix together.
4. Now take a flat baking dish, lined with baking/parchment paper and flatten the mixture out into the dish
5. Refigerate for a minimum of 2 hours, or overnight and then cut into bars. These will stay good for at least a week in the fridge

The post Alkaline Recipe #200: Amazingly Easy No-Bake Breakfast Bars! appeared first on Live Energized.

I am always looking for ways to make the alkaline diet – and getting you to your health goals – easier, more achievable and more do-able.

And having recipes like these really ups the flavour and makes your “mostly-plant-based” meals delicious.

So many people start the alkaline diet and end up eating a plate of steamed veg, or a super-plain salad every meal and then wonder why they’re giving up after 48 hours.

To turn this around, always remember that even the most simple meal can be made exciting and delicious with sauces, dips, dressings and sides, and these three cashew cheese recipes certainly do that.

They’re all from a similar base, but have their nuances that change the flavour, consistency and use. And you can make them in a decent quantity and store in the fridge too for use throughout the week – which is very handy when you don’t have a lot of time to spend in the kitchen every day.

Let’s get into them – let me know which one you’re going to try first in the comments below!

Three Delicious, Alkaline & Vegan Cashew Cheese Recipes

1. Cashew Cream Cheese Spread

2. Baked Cashew Cheese

3. Firm Cashew Cheese (Sliceable)

This one is a little more ‘involved’ that the other two, but is well worth it!

Recipes Like These Make It SO MUCH EASIER!

P.S. Take a look at the Alkaline Recipe System. With hundreds of easy-to-prepare Alkaline recipes PLUS 7 goal-based meal plans each with itemized shopping lists (for goals including weight loss, more energy, better digestion, clearer skin and more) – it makes reaching your health goals SO easy!

+ Make sure to sign up for our free newsletter to get our latest alkaline recipes delivered weekly (it’s free).

The post 3 Mindblowingly Delicious, Vegan Cashew Cheese Recipes appeared first on Live Energized.

Protein/Energy Balls, also known as “Bliss Balls”,  are perfect for when hunger strikes or the sweet tooth beckons! Super easy and super fast, you can pre-make a batch or two and keep in the fridge for 1-2 weeks!

Filled with healthy fats, alkalinity, protein and fibre, there the perfect mid-morning or mid-afternoon snack, for after a workout or just for when you feel like something a little sweeter.

Lemon, Cashew & Coconut Energy Balls

These delicious energy balls from Nourish Everyday have a wonderful balance of flavors topped off with zesty lemon!

Matcha Pistachio Bliss Balls

With Pistachio and Matcha powder these GREEN POWER balls that will keep you going all day! From Downshiftology.

Apricot, Almond & Coconut Bliss Balls

With only 3 ingredients you’ll have these tasty morsels from The Cooks Pyjamas ready in no time!

Coconut Cacao Bon Bons

Deliciously chewy and chocolatey these energy balls make a great healthy treat for those afternoon cravings. From The Little Green Spoon.

Chocolate Trail Mix Power Balls

Perfect for your busy, healthy lifestyle, these power balls from Young & Rungry are packed full of sustainable energy and balanced nutrients. Yum!

Pecan Pie Energy Bites

Pecans give these energy balls a wonderful buttery flavor, and taste just like pecan pie! From the Gluten Free Vegan Pantry.

No-Bake Almond Joy Energy Balls

You won’t be reaching for an unhealthy chocolate bar when you have these bliss balls around! With a double hit of almond, swap out the cocoa for cacao to make these extra guilt-free! From The Healthy Maven.

Raw Cacao, Pistachio & Almond Bliss Balls

This super simple and delicious bliss ball is one of my favorites (and my son’s) and a staple in my house! Find the recipe here.

Key Lime Pie Energy Balls

With just 5 ingredients; macadamia nuts, coconut, lime, dates and a sprinkle of salt, these energy balls from Every Last Bite are so moreish – they taste like summer!

I hope you love these recipes! If you have one of your own do feel free to post it in the comments below – I’d love to hear from you!
Ross

P.S. Take a look at the Alkaline Recipe System. With hundreds of easy-to-prepare Alkaline recipes PLUS 7 goal-based meal plans each with itemized shopping lists (for goals including weight loss, more energy, better digestion, clearer skin and more) – it makes reaching your health goals SO easy!

+ Make sure to sign up for our free newsletter to get our latest alkaline recipes delivered weekly (it’s free).

The post Nine Delicious Bliss Ball Recipes to End Mid-Morning Fatigue appeared first on Live Energized.

This is a warm, hearty, alkaline, anti-inflammatory side dish – that tastes out of this world.

This is one of those recipes that you make once, and then it becomes one of your staples – one of those star dishes you have all of the time, and that’s always on standby.

The combination of the gently roasted cauliflower softening, with the coconut oil and the subtlety of the turmeric brings out an almost sweetness to this dish.

Works brilliantly as a warm dish in winter OR chilled in summer (and can even be served with some unsweetened coconut yoghurt and pomegranate seeds to make it a salad in it’s own right) – it’s great all year ’round.

And you know that the combination of the coconut oil, cauliflower and turmeric is making this dish about as alkaline-forming, anti-inflammatory and antioxidant-rich as it comes. It’s a brilliantly healthy meal.

Turmeric Roasted Cauliflower with Mint & Coriander

Roasted Cauliflower & Turmeric with Coriander and Mint

2016-10-24 22:27:10

Serves 4

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Prep Time

15 min

Cook Time

15 min

Total Time

30 min

Prep Time

15 min

Cook Time

15 min

Total Time

30 min

Ingredients

1. 1/2 cup coconut oil
2. 1 tablespoon ground cumin
3. 2 teaspoons ground turmeric (preferably organic)
4. 1 large cauliflower, broken down into bitesized florets
5. 1/4 cup pine nuts
6. 2 tablespoons coriander/cilantro, chopped roughly
7. 1 tablespoon mint, chopped roughly
8. Himalayan salt to taste

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 425°/220°
2. Now it's time to get your hands dirty, so, in a large bowl, combine the coconut oil, cumin, turmeric, 1/2 teaspoon of salt and mix together with your hands (to warm the oil and properly combine everything)
3. Next, add in the cauliflower florets and mix it all through so everything gets covered and oily
4. Spread the cauliflower out onto a large baking tray and put into the preheated oven for around 15-20 minutes until the cauliflower softens and just starts to brown
5. And while this is cooking, chuck the pine nuts onto a little baking tray and put into the oven too for about a minute to toast them slightly.
6. To serve, transfer the cauliflower to a large serving bowl and sprinkle with the pine nuts, coriander/cilantro and mint and serve.

Notes

1. Optional, mix the coriander/cilantro and mint into some unsweetened coconut yoghurt and serve this as a side to the cauliflower.

By Ross

Live Energized http://liveenergized.com/

I hope you love this – it’s certainly one of my favourites right now!

Ross

P.S. Take a look at the Alkaline Recipe System. With hundreds of easy-to-prepare Alkaline recipes PLUS 7 goal-based meal plans each with itemized shopping lists (for goals including weight loss, more energy, better digestion, clearer skin and more) – it makes reaching your health goals SO easy!

+ Make sure to sign up for our free newsletter to get our latest alkaline recipes delivered weekly (it’s free).

The post Alkaline Recipe #204: Turmeric Roasted Cauliflower with Mint & Coriander appeared first on Live Energized.